Emirates touches down in Newark via Athens

Emirates has commenced daily passenger service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Dubai International Airport, via Athens International Airport. A VIP delegation and contingent of international media were aboard the inaugural flight, which carried passengers from Athens, Dubai and points beyond.

“This new route will connect America’s largest metropolitan area and Dubai through one of Europe’s great capitals,” said Hubert Frach, Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations West, Emirates. “The launch of this year-round daily service will allow us to offer Emirates’ unique product and award-winning service to passengers on a route long neglected by other airlines. We expect this service to generate consistently high demand and enhance business, culture and leisure connections on both sides of the Atlantic.”

“It is always a great pleasure to announce new air services, route expansions and partnerships at our airport,” said Diane Papaianni, the General Manager at Newark Liberty International Airport.“Our airport has a vast network of destinations, and we are delighted to have Emirates join our airline family and offer more travel options to our customers.”

"Emirates' direct, year-round operations on the Athens-New York route is a spectacular development for the Athens’ market, enhancing its connectivity and presenting the traveling public with new travel options on Emirates' excellent product. At the same time, Athens’ strong traffic volumes to/from the US, underpinned by the vibrant Greek-American community, signify the potential and the success of the route. We wish to our airline-partner all the best to this ground-breaking endeavor", said Dr. Yiannis Paraschis, CEO, Athens International Airport.

"The United States is a priority market for Greece,” said Consul General of Greece in New York, Konstantinos Koutras. “Greece has experienced a double-digit increase in arrivals from the United States in the past two years. The establishment of the new direct flight Dubai-Athens-New York will significantly empower Greece's appeal among the U.S. travel audience.”

Emirates will serve the route with a wide-body Boeing 777-300ER powered by General Electric GE90 engines, offering eight seats in First class, 42 seats in Business class and 304 seats in Economy class, as well as 19 tons of belly-hold cargo capacity.

The Abu Dhabi Aviation Group (ADA), the UAE-capital based aviation concern which owns the Middle East's largest commercial helicopter operation as well cargo airline Maximus Cargo and holds equity in the VIP luxury charter operator

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